Government of the Republic of Croatia Approves Participation of the Armed Forces in Exercises Abroad, Ammunition Procurement and Energy Efficiency Renovation of the Military Infrastructure
Government of the Republic of Croatia Adopts Decisions on Participation of the Croatian Armed Forces in Eight Training Activities and 18 Exercises in Croatia and 39 Exercises Abroad and on Procurement of 155 mm Ammunition for CAESAR MK2 Howitzers
At its 141st session on Thursday, 29 January 2026, the Government of the Republic of Croatia adopted three decisions proposed by the Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Croatia: on the participation of the Armed Forces in joint training activities and exercises in 2026, on the procurement of ammunition, and on energy efficiency renovation of the military infrastructure.
Training and Exercises With Allied Forces
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence Ivan Anušić presented the Decision on the Crossing of the Border of the Republic of Croatia by the Croatian Armed Forces and Allied Armed Forces for participation in joint training activities and exercises in 2026.
The Decision authorises the crossing of the border of the Republic of Croatia by the Allied Armed Forces for the conduct of eight training activities and 18 exercises in the Republic of Croatia.
At the same time, it authorises members of the Croatian Armed Forces to cross the border to participate in 39 exercises abroad with the Allied Armed Forces.
The Minister stated that members of the Croatian Armed Forces participate in the training activities and exercises to further develop their operational capabilities and that the training and exercises serve as a means to assess the readiness of units, their level of capabilities,and interoperability.
Procurement of the Ammunition for Howitzers
The Government of the Republic of Croatia also adopted a decision granting prior consent to the Ministry of Defence to undertake obligations charged to the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia in 2028 for the procurement of ammunition in the amount of EUR 10,055,360.
Due to the need to procure 155 mm ammunition for CAESAR MK2 howitzers, the Ministry of Defence initiated the procurement process through the European Defence Agency, to which a request was submitted for the procurement of ammunition under framework contracts for joint procurement.
The Minister of Defence emphasised that, in the context of the deteriorating security situation caused by Russian aggression against Ukraine, it is additionally important to enhance readiness and further develop defence capabilities, as well as to invest in joint development and procurement of the key defence capabilities.
Joint Procurement through European Defence Agency Projects
Joint procurement through European Defence Agency projects, Minister Anušić stated, is extremely important for replenishing missing national stockpiles, maintaining the readiness of the Armed Forces and implementing the capability goals.
The delivery of ammunition is scheduled for 2028. The total obligations of the Ministry of Defence amount to EUR 14,244,800. In 2026, an advance payment of 30 percent is planned, while the remaining 70 percent of the amount for ammunition, including transport costs, is planned to be paid in 2028.
Energy Renovation of the Facilities at “Petar Zrinski” Barracks
The Government of the Republic of Croatia also granted prior consent to the Ministry of Defence to assume obligations to the debit of the State Budget of the Republic of Croatia for the energy renovation of the Building No. 58 at the “Petar Zrinski” Barracks, part of the “Dr. Franjo Tuđman” Croatian Defence Academy in Zagreb, over the period 2027–2041.
The total value of the energy renovation is EUR 13,590,901.75. Part of the renovation, amounting to EUR 5,528,401.75, will be funded by non‑repayable grants under the Recovery and Resilience Facility, while the remaining EUR 7,793,750 will be financed from the Ministry of Defence budget.